Irene - Scotland with Kayaks & Wildlife 2019

Irene's Scotland Sailing Programme 2019 - Sail, Kayak and Walk

Irene will be starting her 2019 sailing season on the South Coast of Devon but in early May she sets off for a mid summer season in SW Scotland. You can join her for this passage making voyage up the Irish Sea and through dramatic scenery as you reach the fast tides between Jura, Islay and the Mull of Kintyre.

The Small Isles in Scotland. Western side of Canna by Melissa Williams

Sail, Paddle & Walk - Roving Sea Kayak adventures on Irene 2019

Back in 2019 for the second season are Irene's 'Sail, Paddle and Walk' voyages around the Small Isles - Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. Not many vessels have big enough decks to store sea kayaks but Irene is a historic sailing cargo ship, so her main hatch area creates a big space between her lofty masts. On board there will be a walking guide and a kayaking instructor in the crew, so you really can explore every part of this group of islands. These voyages are a bit more expensive the Irene's other 6 day Scottish voyages to reflect the wider range of guided activities on board.

If you want to give sea kayaking a go for the first time then this is a trip for you. The paddling is aimed at beginner level to ensure that everyone can have a go and there is no need to bring sea kayaks, wetsuits or buoyancy aids as they will all be provided.

The walking is a great way to explore and view the amazing scenery of the islands under the watchful eye of the walking guide. The Small Isles are often called the hidden gems of the Western Isles, providing a walking paradise for those seeking wilderness and solitude. Highlights include the towering volcanic peaks of the Rum Cuillin, Kinloch Castle or Kilmory bay on Rum; An Sgurr and Cleadale on Eigg; Canna's towering cliffs and rock stacks and the verdant landscape and sparkling shores of Muck.

More information abut the walking and kayaking and how it all works in the voyage descriptions for these voyages.

Western Scotland Wildlife

Western Scotland is a rich marine ecosystem which offers fantastic seafood and wildlife watching.Due to the prolific life under the surface and hundreds of miles of remote coastlines, the Western Isles, Inner and Outer Hebrides and mainland lochs are great places to spot seals, otters, Minke and larger whales, basking sharks and dolphins. The bird life is good too from comical puffins to mighty sea eagles.Usually there is plenty of wind for sailing with relatively flat seas due to the protecting high ground, it can still be challenging, but then the many moods of Scotland are its main attraction.

Scottish Events in 2019 Feis Ile Music and Malt on Islay - already full booked

If you're a whisky connoisseur you won't want to miss this one! The Feis Ile celebration happens every year on Islay and is a festival of whisky and music. You can expect the distilleries to be laying on some fabulous tours and the pubs providing the evening entertainment. To add to the excitement, we'll be having our very own private whisky tasting of some very exclusive malts hosted by The Whisky Lounge on the deck of Irene. What these guys don't know about whisky is really not worth knowing!

We won't be forgetting the sailing, though. Assuming you haven't over indulged too much, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the whisky isles of Islay and Jura as well as some of the stunning scenery south of Oban as we explore them under sail.

Amongst the Great Islay Malts are Caol Ila, Jura, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Laphroaig but with eleven on Islay itself, we are somewhat spoilt for choice! As well as visiting the distilleries, this voyage will treat you to some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife available in the British Isles. From the Paps of Jura to the white tailed sea eagles, there is something for everybody whether you are a fan of the Scottish Amber Nectar or not!